Engraved British BSA Lee Speed .303 Bolt Action Rifle W/ Scope Mount, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,430.00
LSB#: WY240905BH004
Make: Birmingham Small Arms Company (B.S.A. Co.) of England
Model: Lee Speed
Serial Number: K129
Year of Manufacture: 1897 to 1914
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, 5 round detachable magazine
Markings: The right side of the stock collar is marked, “LEE-SPEED PATENTS B.S.A. Co. K129”. The barrel shank is marked, “FOR CORDITE ONLY” with several proof marks. The extractor housing is marked, “PATENT 19145/90”. There is fine engraving throughout.
Barrel Length: 24.5” Metford Rifled
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a raised base fixed to the barrel. The bead is missing a section. The rifle has a rear barrel sight block with a flip-up V-notch ladder sight marked out to 10, two flip-up V-notch sights behind it, a dovetail, and a Fraser micro adjustable peep sight fixed to the cocking piece. There is a pair of offset scope mounts on the left side of the rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered wood set with a horn capped forend, stock collar, capped semi-pistol grip, straight fluted comb, and steel buttplate w/ storage door. There are light pressure dents and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering has lightly worn peaks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is moderately worn. There is moderate erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning throughout with a large patch missing at the muzzle. The action has moderate wear. There are scratches, nicks, and light patina throughout. The screw heads show signs of light use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 5 round detachable magazine, leather sling, and original pull through bore string.
Our Assessment: The British BSA Lee-Speed rifle, chambered in .303 British, is a civilian variation of the military Lee-Enfield rifle, widely known for its craftsmanship and historical significance. Produced by the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA), the Lee-Speed was based on James Paris Lee’s bolt-action design with a magazine system and the “Speed” mechanism, attributed to BSA’s chief designer Joseph Speed. Unlike standard military models, Lee-Speed rifles were often finely finished and outfitted with higher-grade wood stocks, making them highly prized among sportsmen and collectors alike. The Lee-Speed rifle shared many features with its military counterpart, the Lee-Metford and later Lee-Enfield rifles, including the fast-cycling bolt-action mechanism and a detachable box magazine, typically holding ten rounds. This magazine capacity, combined with the .303 British cartridge, offered a powerful yet manageable option for game hunting, particularly favored in the British Empire. Unlike the more utilitarian military finishes, however, Lee-Speed rifles were typically blued and polished with careful attention to detail in the metalwork and stock, and they often featured hand-checkered grips and fore-ends. Offered in various configurations, including sporting and military styles, the Lee-Speed was particularly popular in the colonies, where a reliable, fast-firing bolt-action rifle was highly desirable for hunting and protection. Some Lee-Speed rifles closely resembled military models with volley sights and longer barrels, while others had shorter barrels and were outfitted with high-quality express sights suited for big-game hunting. Many were also equipped with flip-up rear sights or peep sights, enhancing their accuracy at longer ranges. The rifle’s robust design and smooth bolt operation made it a favorite among British sportsmen and colonial officials stationed abroad, especially in areas like Africa and India. The .303 British round was a versatile cartridge, capable of taking down medium to large game, and its widespread availability made it an accessible choice for hunters in the British Empire. Overall, the Lee-Speed’s legacy lives on as a symbol of British firearm engineering and the adventurous spirit of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. -R.E.
